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"Sure enough, it's impressive, Hina. With just one move, you got our freshman representative to join our karate club."
Fujiwara Tōru had followed Yukinoshita Hina to the karate club's recruitment booth, filled out the application form, and then promptly excused himself.
As soon as he left, Hina's friend Miwa rushed over, shaking Hina's arm enthusiastically as she exclaimed.
Meanwhile, one of the other karate club members present for recruitment snorted disdainfully. "That guy probably just joined because he thinks Yukinoshita-san is pretty."
The other male members of the club silently nodded, their expressions betraying a clear hostility toward Tōru.
They were all students at Tokyo University, none inherently better than the others, so why did that guy have to be so handsome?
Among Tokyo University students, being good-looking naturally made one more popular with girls—a truth as old as time itself.
Though most people didn't want to date Tokyo University girls, there were always exceptions.
Take someone like Yukinoshita Hina, for example.
When your beauty reached a certain level, even the Tokyo University label became a bonus, easily elevating you to "goddess" status.
With Yukinoshita Hina's stunning looks, countless admirers had pursued her since her freshman year—not just because of her appearance, knowledge, or abilities, but also because her family background alone was enough to make most men swoon.
Those who managed to get into Tokyo University came from all walks of life—middle class, lower class, and beyond—but who wouldn't want to marry a beautiful, wealthy woman and skip decades of struggle?
Yukinoshita Hina was well aware of what these male classmates thought, yet she maintained a polite, bright, and elegant smile, never openly showing her annoyance.
While she knew how to use her beauty as a weapon, Yukinoshita Hina disliked being judged solely on her appearance, ignoring her capabilities and the effort she had put in.
"All right, everyone settle down," a tall, imposing man wearing a karate uniform said as he approached. His tone carried clear flattery toward Hina. "But I think Yukinoshita-san shouldn't participate in recruitment anymore."
"Although her presence has made our recruitment go smoothly, most freshmen are joining because of Yukinoshita-san herself, not because they're genuinely interested in karate."
"Our club values quality over quantity. With so many new recruits, it's hard to tell who's truly interested in karate. If they don't show up for activities later, it'll be awkward for us."
The teasing boys immediately fell silent upon seeing the man and greeted him with smiles. "Club President!"
The karate club president nodded slightly before turning back to Hina. "If that guy doesn't know karate, leave him to me once he joins. I'll personally train him and see if he's genuinely interested in karate."
The other club members chuckled inwardly, secretly gleeful at the prospect.
Everyone knew that the club president had been pursuing Yukinoshita Hina for a long time, despite repeated rejections. He never gave up.
It was rumored that his family had a close relationship with the Yukinoshita family, and the two had known each other since childhood—a match seemingly made in heaven. Moreover, the president had competed in national karate tournaments, making it to the top sixteen, and was considered one of Tokyo University's prominent figures. Naturally, this made him feel competitive toward the newcomer.
He would surely train the newcomer harshly.
But Yukinoshita Hina, sharp as ever, could easily guess his intentions. She smiled and replied, "There's no need to trouble Sasano-kun. I'll personally instruct Fujiwara-kun."
Whether it was her aunt's request or the fact that Fujiwara Tōru was technically a distant relative, Yukinoshita Hina couldn't bear to see him suffer. Besides, she found this junior, Fujiwara Tōru, intriguing. And anything or anyone who caught her interest inevitably drew her interference.
That was just her personality—domineering and accustomed to taking the initiative. What she deemed hers, she could tease or bully, but she wouldn't tolerate others meddling.
Hina's words shocked everyone, leaving them staring at her in disbelief.
During their freshman year, countless male students had approached Yukinoshita Hina under the guise of seeking advice, hoping to grow closer to her. Yet, she had always declined, citing the need to focus on competitions and personal training.
Now, however, Yukinoshita Hina was willingly offering to personally mentor a male student. This sparked a flurry of thoughts among those present.
Some malicious minds wondered if Yukinoshita Hina was just another shallow woman, only interested in handsome guys.
Only Miwa was thrilled, her eyes sparkling with gossipy excitement.
The club president, Sasano Kazunari, struggled to maintain a smile, though his clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil. He knew better than to argue with Hina, fully aware of her strong-willed nature and unwillingness to entertain dissent.
Forcing a grin, he said, "...If that's the case, then I'll leave it to you, Hina."
Her slight frown deepened. Directly addressing someone by their first name in Japan was an act reserved for those very close and familiar. Though she didn't want to embarrass Sasano, she simply smiled graciously without saying anything further.
Just as the atmosphere grew slightly awkward, the arrival of a new student eased the tension.
"Junior, are you joining our karate club too?"
"Yes."
"What's your name? Have you studied karate before?"
"Horikita Gakuto. Yes, I've studied karate. My rank is fifth-degree black belt."
The unsmiling freshman adjusted his glasses, his tone laced with pride.
But such displays of arrogance were nothing new to Tokyo University seniors.
Dear junior, stop pretending. No matter how high your karate rank or how prestigious your position in high school was—even if you were the student council president—you'll soon realize that Tokyo University is full of hidden talents. Your past achievements here are ordinary.
After all, it's not like everyone here wasn't the student council president of their respective schools.
Only true, unparalleled strength could crown someone king at this university!
---
At 11 PM, Fujiwara Tōru was jogging through Asukayama Park near his home.
Physical conditioning was like rowing against the current—if you didn't keep pushing forward, your abilities would inevitably decline over time.
After running at a fast pace for about an hour, drenched in sweat, Tōru wiped his forehead and prepared to head back.
Tōru didn't live in the university dorms; instead, he resided in a place not far from Tokyo University. Under normal traffic conditions, it took only ten to fifteen minutes to drive there.
As a CIA operative masquerading as a student, many aspects of his life had to remain hidden, making dorm life impossible.
Stopping by a vending machine, he purchased a sports drink to replenish his electrolytes after exercising.
As he walked down the familiar streets, his gaze inadvertently flickered to the side—and his body froze instantly.
There, standing at the street corner within his line of sight, was the girl in the white dress, cradling the black cat once again.
Tōru took a deep breath. He knew hesitation would lead to defeat and decisively stepped forward.
Some things couldn't be avoided—and when they couldn't, the only choice was to face them bravely!